A GROUND-breaking scheme has been launched for up to 40 companies to qualify for a free consultation which will help them develop a green transport plan. The scheme, which has already accepted 15 firms and will run until March next year, gives companies reports on the changes they could make to cut down on car use.

The initiative is run by the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme - part of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions - and participating companies will be eligible for up to three site visits over a nine-month period, each followed by an 'action plan' report from a specialist.

Only organisations which sign up to implementing the recommendations will qualify for the programme. For companies with straightforward queries, the EEBPP has also launched a service through its 0800 585794 Environment and Energy Helpline, where a panel of experts will answer queries about green transport plans.